This post was contributed by Elizabeth Johnston of South Morningside Primary School in Edinburgh

Continuing Professional Development in schools is largely regarded as authority or management driven. Whilst working to attain Chartered Teacher status, I became confident about disseminating the expertise my colleagues and I had to offer our school as practitioners, focussing on concrete classroom applications. A ‘Reflective Practitioners’ Club’ makes this practice accessible and empowering for new as well as experienced teachers, and places it in an educational framework that encourages teachers to work collaboratively. It was agreed that this club would not have members of management, who by their presence, can, perhaps unintentionally, alter the group dynamic, inhibit proceedings, or intimidate would-be presenters! The minutes, however, are always presented to the Head Teacher to keep him informed. I have to mention here that our HT is more than happy to see this kind of ‘bottom up’ development work.

I have chaired the ‘RPC’ since it began in August 2004. Currently, we number around 10 interested teachers who meet every 6 weeks or so. We hold discussions on courses we have attended, educational research, and current approaches and strategies, in order to further the progress of our pupils. One of our members, who could not attend all the meetings, contributed the fortnightly Times Educational Supplements where interesting articles came under ‘any other business’ for discussion at our meetings. We have also carried out some ‘peer monitoring’ to enhance, develop or indeed, change our practice. We devised a simple form to provide written feedback.

Our members take part in presentations and workshops, both as leaders and/or participants. No member is ever expected to deliver a topic formally, but everyone is recognized as having some expertise that can be shared informally. Two other schools expressed interest in developing their own club and have subsequently been invited to attend.

Our meetings offer opportunities for group support and collaboration. Therefore, the only ‘rule’ is a belief system that is not written down, but is expressed in the words and actions of the people in the system.

RPC members feel better equipped with the skills and understanding needed to bring out the best in us, our pupils and our community. We have cultivated a personal and professional respect and are very supportive of each other.

Collegiality at this level brings much goodwill and enhanced practice that can never be budgeted for!

Categories: collegiality
Tags: collegiality, Edinburgh City Council